Usain Bolt Signs Massive Deal With Puma

Puma has renewed its sponsorship deal with Usain Bolt, the three-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder for the 100 meter sprint, and set its own record in the process.

The German sportswear giant says Bolt will receive a sum that is by far the largest ever given to a track and field athlete, positioning him as “a top earner in the world of sport.”

Puma ( PMMAF.PK – news – people ) would not disclose financial details but a number of press reports have said it is comparable to Nike ( NKE – news – people )’s four-year $32 million deal with soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Puma’s contract with the Jamaican sprinter is now set to last until 2013, though Bolt has been with Puma since he was 16. “Puma’s been by my side since the beginning, before anyone knew what I was capable of achieving,” Bolt said in a press release.